Logbook

Continuing the trend of:
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
(been going for 7 years now!?! Rate down a bit in 2012, with Sproglet, and getting less accurate as I go)

#. Title by Author. Commentary. (r= reread, e=ebook)
1. (Jan) No humans involved by Kelley Armstrong (r)
2. (late Jan) Imagers battalion by LE Modesitt
3. Omens by Kelley Armstrong. Interesting new series from her. Book 1.
4. (6.2.2014) Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett. Fun read.
5. (15.2.2014) Antiagon Fire by LE Modesitt. Imager book 7. Worth continuing the series.
6. 21.2.2014 Under my hat: tales from the cauldron
7. (March) Valley of the Horses by Jean Auel (r,e)
8. (March) Circus of the Damned by Laurell K Hamilton (e,r)
9. (March) The Killing Dance by Laurell K Hamilton (e,r)
10. (March) The Laughing Corpse by Laurell K Hamilton (e,r)
11. (March) Good Man Friday by Barbara Hambly (Benjamin January)
12. (March) The Lunatic Cafe by Laurell K Hamilton (e,r)
13. (April) Burnt Offerings by Laurell K Hamilton (e,r)
14. (April) Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop (e,r)
15. (April) Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop (e,r)
16. (April) Queen of the Night by Anne Bishop (e,r)
17. (April) The Bastion by Mercedes Lackey. Collegium book 5. Ok.
18. (April) Steadfast by Mercedes Lackey. Elemental Masters. Ok.
19. (April) The Truth by Terry Pratchett. Fun as always (e,r)
20. (April) The Valley of the Horses by Jean Auel. (e,r) (May be accidentally recounted as wouldn't read twice in two months)
21. (May) Chasing the Night by Iris Johansen. Ok. (e)
22. (May) The Mammoth Hunters by Jean Auel. (e,r)
23. (May) Alphabet of Thorn by Patricia McKillip.
24. (May) The Plains of Passage by Jean Auel. (e,r)
25. (June) The Shelter in the stone by jean Auel. (E,r)
26. ( June) the paintings on the the stone by jean Auel. Unsatisfactory series and book end (e)
27. (June) The sharing knife: passage by Lois McMasters Bujold.
28. (June) the treasure by iris johansen. Earlier better.
29. (June) only a duke will do by Sabrina Jeffries. Okish.
30. (June) Old Man's War by john scalzi. Quite a good read (e)
31. (July) The Ghost Brigade by John Scalzi. More fun (e)
32. (July) The Last Colony by john Scalzi. More fun need more. (e)
33. (July) the tower at sunset by LE Modesitt. (e)
34. (12.7.2014) written in blood by Anne bishop. Better than for a while.
35. (16.7.2014) Shades of milk and honey by Mary Robinette Kowal. Fun. (e)
36. (26.7.2014) Gallow glass by Mary Robinette Kowal. Fun. (e)
37. (27.7.2014) Unveiled by Courtney Milan. Quite fun and difficult to put down. (E)
38. (Late July) Unclaimed by Courtney Milan. Also very good. (E)
39. (Early August) The Magic Engineer by LE Modesitt. (E)
40. (Mid August?) the order war by LE Modesitt. (E)
41. (9.8.2014) Unlocked by Courtney Milan. (E)
42. (19.8.2014) Without a summer by Mary Robinette Kowal. Definite fun (e)
43. (21.8.2014) The death of chaos by LE Modesitt. (e)
44. (24.8.2014) The Duchess War by Courtney Milan. Fun. (e)
45. (29.8.2014) Arrows fall by Mercedes lackey. Popcorn comfort reread. (R)
46. (30.8.2014) What happened at midnight by Courtney Milan. (E)
47. (30.8.2014) This wicked gift by Courtney Milan. (E)
48. (2.9.2014) Fall of Angels by L E Modesitt. (E)
49. (2.9.2014) Proof by Seduction by Courtney Milan. (E)
50. (9.9.2014) Trial by desire by Courtney Milan. (E)
51. (12.9.2014) Rex Regis by LE Modesitt.
52. (17.9.2013) Soulless by Gail Carriger. Book 1 Parasol Protectorate. Fun and silly
53. (19.9.2013) Interesting Times by Terry Pratchett. (E,r)
54. (23.9.2013) The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan. (E)
54. (25.9.2013) Changeless by Gail Carriger. Book 2. Fun cont.
55. (27.9.2014) Blameless by Gail Carriger. Book 3. Fun cont.
56. (29.9.2014) Heartless by Gail Carriger. Book 4. Fun cont.
57. (Early nov) Timeless by Gail Carriger. Book 5. Fun cont.
58. (Early nov) Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas. Entertaining popcorn. Wallflower 4. (E)
59. (Early nov) It Happened one Autumn by Lisa Kleypas. Ditto. Wallflower 2.(e)
60. (12.10.2014) The Countess Conspiracy by Courtney Milan. Book 3 Brothers Sinister. Good. (E)
61. (17.10.2014) Suddenly You by Lisa Kleypas. (e)
62. (18.10.2014) Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh. Psy series book 1. Worth continuing.
63. (21.10.2014) Again the magic by Lisa Kleypas. (E)
64. (~24.10.2014) The Pretender by Celeste Bradley. Liars Club 1. Page turning popcorn. (e)
65. (27.10.2014) The Imposter by Celeste Bradley. Liars Club 2. Page turning popcorn. (e)
66. (28.10.2014) The Spy by Celeste Bradley. Liars Club 3. Page turning popcorn. (e)
67. (late Oct 2014) The Charmer by Celeste Bradley. Liars Club 4. Page turning popcorn. (e)
68. (start Nov 2014) Unraveled by Courtney Milan. Good (e)
69. (~2 Nov 2014) Talk Sweetly to Me by Courtney Milan. Book 4.5 Brothers Sinister. Good and a heroine into astronomy (e)
70. (5.11.2014) A Murder of Crows by Anne Bishop. Others 2. Quite readable, but quite Mary Sue.
71. (13.11.2014) River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay. Very good.
72. (26.11.2014) The Suffragette Scandel by Courtney Milan. Book 4 Brothers Sinister. (E)
73. (Late Nov) Visions of Heat by Nalini Singh. Psy books 2.
74. (~1.12.2014) Caressed by Ice by Nalini Singh. Psy books 3.
75. (~5.12.2014) Alien Ways by Stephen Mullholland. Book 2. (E)
76. (7.12.2014) secrets of a summer night by Lisa Kleypas. Wallflower 1.(e)
77. (12.12.2014) Angels blood by Nalini Singh. Guardian hunters book 1.
78. (20.12.2014) Zoe's tale by John Scalzi. Good.
79. (26.12.2014 am) The Human Division by John Scalzi. Very good.

Projects 2014
Continuing the record from
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
Posting this now so it can be filled in as I go (though possibly more when I remember to), just like the above entries.

Clothing:
*object* (date started, date finished)
J shoes (pre CF)
A shoes (pre CF)
A red velvet hat (pre CF)
J naalbinded socks (24.4.2014 - shrunk in wash :( )
A pink silk tunic (DA)
A silk Viking coif (DA)
A white wool Viking jacket (DA, bad fit)
R naalbinded socks (DA)
J blue pleated apron dress (~7.9.2014)
J blue black wool hose (13.9.2014)
A pink silk tunic (13.10.2014)
K leather pouch (22.12.2014)

Naalbinded hand warmers for Z's Mum (post Christmas 2015)

Continuing the trend of:
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
(been going for 6 years now!?! Rate down a bit in 2012, with Sproglet)

#. Title by Author. Commentary. (r= reread, e=ebook)
1. (Early January) Barayarr by Lois McMasters Bujold. Good reread. (e,r)
(Lull while making stuff for CF)
2. (12.2.2013) Bridge of Dreams by Anne Bishop. Ephemera #3. Okish.
3. (19.2.2013) The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMasters Bujold. Good reread. (e,r)
4. (early March) The Vor Game by Lois McMasters Bujold. Good reread. (e,r)
5. (early March) Exile's Valor by Mercedes Lackey. Okish.
6. (12.3.2013) The Lady Most Likely by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway. Ok regency popcorn.
7. (16.3.2013) By the Sword by Mercedes Lackey. One of her better ones and a favorite reread. (r)
8. (21.3.2013) Paradise by Judith McNaught. Favourite comfort reread romance popcorn. (r)
9. (Late March 2013) Cetaganda by Lois McMasters Bujold. Good reread. (e,r)
10. (Early April 2013) The Viscount who loved me by Julia Quinn. Ok popcorn.
11. (Early April 2013) Just like heaven by Julia Quinn. Ok popcorn.
12. (~9.4.2013) The Governess Affair by Courtney Milan. Good popcorn.
13. (13.4.2013) The Island of Lost Maps by Miles Harvey. An entertaining read on the history of maps and the stealing thereof.
14. (mid April) Moon Called by Patricia Briggs. Mercy Thompson #1. Fun paranormal popcorn. (e,r (I think from several years ago)
15. (mid-late April) Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs. Mercy Thompson #2. Fun paranormal popcorn. (e)
16. (late April) Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs. Mercy Thompson #3. Fun paranormal popcorn. (e)
17. (Late April/early May) Bone Crossed by Patricia Briggs. Mercy Thompson #4. Fun paranormal popcorn. (e)
18. (Early May) Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs. Mercy Thompson #5. Fun paranormal popcorn. Want to read the rest of the series now, but run out :( (e)
19. (Early May) When He Was Wicked by Julia Quinn. Ok popcorn. (e)
20. (16.5.2013) Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris. Ok paranormal popcorn. (r, accidentally as I didn't remember reading it earlier)
21. (22.5.2013) Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris. Ok paranormal popcorn.
22. (Late may) Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris. Ok paranormal cont.
23. (Late may) To Sir Phillip with love by Julia Quinn. Ok popcorn. (e)
24. (Late may) It's in his kiss by Julia Quinn. Ok popcorn. (e)
25. (Mid June) The First Kiss by Julia Quinn te al. Ok popcorn. (e)
26. (Late June) Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. Fun paranormal (e,r)
27. (11.7.2013) The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. #1. Ok YA paranormal.
28. (19.7.2013) Stolen by Kelley Armstrong. Fun paranormal (e,r)
29. (26.7.2013) Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong. Fun paranormal cont (e,r)
30. (4.8.2013) Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong. Pun paranormal cont (e,r)
31. (Early August) Haunted by Kelley Armstrong. Fun paranormal cont (e,r)
32. (13.8.2013) 13 by Kelley Armstrong. Last of the series. Not best but still not bad.
33. (Mid August) Living with the Dead by Kelley Armstrong. Fun paranormal cont. (e,r)
34. (23.8.2013) Dead ever after by Charlaine Harris. Last Sookie Stackhouse novel. Fun paranormal.
35. (Late August) (Charlaine Harris ed short story collection)
36. (7.9.2013) Imager by LE Modesitt. #1 of Imager Portfolio. Interesting read.
37. (Sept) Brothers in Arms by Lois McMasters Bjould. (E,r)
38. (Sept) Mirror dance by Lois McMasters Bjould. (E,r)
39. (Sept) Memory by Lois McMasters Bjould. (r)
40. (Sept) Komarr by Lois McMasters Bjould. (E,r)
41. (Sept) A Civil Campaign by Lois McMasters Bjould. (E,r)
42. (Start Oct) Imagers Challenge by LE Modesitt. #2 of Imager Portfolio.
43. (11.10.2013) Imagers Intregue by LE Modesitt. #3 of Imager Portfolio.
44. (14.10.2013) Freakonomics by Steven Levittown and Stephen Dubner. Interesting.
45. (16.10.2013) Diplomatic Immunity by Lois McMasters Bjold. (E,r)
46. (20.10.2013) Cryoburn by Lois McMasters Bjould. (E,r)
47. (Late Oct) The Barbarians by Terry Jones. Book of the tv series. Interesting read.
48. (31.10.2013) The Laughing Corpse by Laurell K Hamilton. Early Anita Blake with more corpses than sex scenes.
49. (3.11.2013) Pegasus by Robyn McKinley. Far better read than the description would imply.
50. (7.11.2013) The Apocalypse Codex by Charles Stross. Laundryverse #4. Good read as ever.
51. (15.11.2013) Scholar by LE Modesitt. #4 of Imager Portfolio
52. (28.11.2013) Seven wonders of the industrial world by Deborah Cadbury. Based on the tv series of the same name. Interesting but scary read.
53. (Late nov) The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong. #2 ya series. Ok.
54. (4.12.2013) The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong. #3. Ok.
55. (Mid nov) Beauty by Robin McKinley. Old favourite. (R)
56. (Late Nov) Chalice by Robin McKinley. Also good. (R)
57. (13.12.2013) The meaning of everything by Simon Winchester. History of the OED. Quite fun.
58. (mid-late Dec) Princeps by LE Modesitt. #4 of Imager Portfolio
There were probably other books, but I have forgotten...

(And because LJ as buggered around with things a bit and I want both of these at the top)
Projects 2013
Continuing the record from
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Posting this now so it can be filled in as I go, just like the above entries.

Clothing:
*object* (date started, date finished)
Red woolen caftan and silk sash for AJBM (January)
Plain linen tunic for AJBM (January)
Blue linen hood for AJBM (January)
Purple wool hose for Z (10.2.2013, 14.2.2013). Seams reinforced by whipstitching in early March.
14th C check wool tunic for Z (9.2.2013, wearable 15.2.2013)
Polarfleece sleep sack for AJBM (14.5.2013, started and finished)
Naalbinded white socks for Zane (late May)
Naalbinded white slippers for me (started late may, finished 6.8.2013)
Light sheet sleep sack for Anya (late Dec)
Blackworked peacock shirt (late Dec)
Red velvet dress (late Dec)

Other
2 wall tool swatches for keeping things in (13,14.7.2013)
2 laundry washing bags for Anya socks etc (11.11.2013)

(repeat (sorta) of Facebook post, but expanded a bit).

Viking Women: Apron dress by Hilde Thunem Relinking to this one as she has added a large amount of info since I last read it. Probably the best summary/review article on Viking apron dresses and the archeological evidence out there. Has gotten me thinking that I really want to make a good wool apron dress with features more archeologically based (eg pleated top with tablet woven band like the Kostrup Grave ACQ find). The last "wool" apron dress I made was back in AU and had a bunch of issues including wrong style straps and not actually being wool. There has been a better linen one since (made for CF 2010), but it is very sack-like and is definitely a summer garment.

Other project-wise, having made basal_surge a nice pair of hose (finally), and having noted holes growing in the toes of my linen ones, really want a nice pair of woolen hose. This had been on the books for a while, but given how quickly his went together, I have been putting off a pair for me for far too long.

All of these fit with projects with smaller pieces of fabric, which works well with the approximately 2m size (or smaller) wool remnant finds from The Te Omanga Hospice shop in Upper Hutt from Sat.

The other clothing project still trundling, is the blackworked peacock shirt for AJBM. Given I have now done 30/92 peacocks, that is an ongoing project...

Of course, nothing like an enthusiasm for sewing projects just in time for going back to work and hence having less time (apart from the hour train commute 3 days a week which has potential for reading or sewing (though not embroidery)).

An actual productive weekend. With baby. These are rarer than you might think and we would like.

It started on Sat with the verdict that basal_surge needed a better 14th C outfit for doing his calligraphy schtick at Harcourt Park Joust because he would roast in his wool jacket and he didn't actually have any other suitable (ie long enough) tunics. So lighter weight wool fabric was gotten out, washed and plotting for a Bocksten Man tunic and hose set begun (hence the previous post links). In parallel with this was other laundry, deck clearing for baby safe play, and grocery shopping. And AJBM managed to have an early night, so we could have some quality blob time. All good.

Sunday was much (machine) sewing of tunic (cut out the previous evening), to the point where all it needs is hemming of cuffs and base and tidying of seams (ie all the hand finishing bits). Better fit than I have done for a while for him tunic wise, so all good there. Laundry continued so that we are now caught up on the CF loads. Then basal_surge wielded his chainsaw and chopped much wood and there followed much wood stacking and weeding (evil thistles) in the heat of the day. Then hose were started on, a bookcase with pigeonhole shelves was worked on (still needs to be borer bombed and split shelves pinned), dishes done and baby played with. Hose are now to the point of one just needing seam felling and the tops trimmed and fitted and the other needing the foot part to be stitched on and fitted etc.

Hopefully we can get things finished in time for Harcourt Park next weekend. However currently baby is asleep and we should not push things too far since she will wake and want feeding at some point tonight.

So, it being that time of year (CF coming up), there has been much sewing.

AJBM (being now over 9 months old) has upped the game rapidly since Christmas, with crawling, hauling herself up on things, babbling more, rolling from her back to her front, getting her first tooth, changing her eating patterns, changing her sleeping patterns, changing her interaction patterns etc. Much more intense and on, and wanting to interact/get into things... Which is good but much more draining to keep up with.

CF prep wise, I have finished a silk edged wool jacket with matching silk sash, linen tunic and linen hood all for AJBM. Together with the other garb people have passed on (2 cotton tunics, 2-3 wool tunics and a wool hood) and the silk coif made earlier, she possibly has more garb than most people heading to their first big camping event...

Need to take better care of myself to keep up with her. Been feeling quite drained/splat recently (especially in the mornings) so need to be more careful about what I eat and try and remember to cover all bases (iron, vitamins etc). And get out more with AJBM so don't go stir-crazy at home.

Just over 2 months left to go before I head back to work (part time). Much to do beforehand. Step A: CF.

Continuing the trend of:
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
(been going for 5 years now!?!)

#. Title by Author. Commentary. (r= reread, e=ebook)
1. (early Jan 2012) Anne of the Island by L M Montgomery. Comfort reread. (e,r)
2. (early Jan 2012) Tiassa by Stephen Brust. Still digesting.
3. (~10.1.2012) Anne of Windy Willows by L M Montgomery. Comfort reread. (r)
4. (~11.1.2012) Anne's House of Dreams by L M Montgomery. Comfort reread. (r)
5. (mid Jan 2012) Anne of Ingleside by L M Montgomery. Comfort reread. (r)
6. (mid Jan 2012) Rilla of Ingleside by L M Montgomery. Comfort reread. (r)
7. (26.1.2012) Jane of Lantern Hill by L M Montgomery. Comfort reread. (r)
(gap for CF etc)
8. (11.2.2012) Oh Baby... birth, babies and motherhood uncensored by Kathy Fray. Interesting read. Will have to try a few things and ignore a few others.
9. (15.2.2012) The Night Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko. A good read. Movie was good and the book is even better. (r)
10. (18. 2.2012) The Day Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko. A good read. (r)
11. (late Feb 2012) The Twilight Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko. A good read. (r)
12. (late Feb 2012) The Last Watch by Sergei Lukyanenko. A good read. Hope they translate more of his stuff. (r)
13. (3.3.2012) An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley. Good brainless fluff. (e)
14. (6.3.2012) The Womanly art of breastfeeding by LaLeche League. Bit dated, but some sensible info. Recommended by basal_surge's mum.
15. (~March 2012) Forbidden by Jo Beverley. Good brainless fluff. (e)
16. (~March 2012) The devil's heiress by Jo Beverley. Good brainless fluff. (e)
17. (~March 2012) The Duchess by Jude Deveraux. Okish popcorn, but a bit naff.
18. (30.3.2012) The Jennifer Morgue by Charles Stross. Fun as always. (r)
19. (1.4.2012) The Magic of Recluse by L.E. Modesitt. (r)
20. (3.4.2012) Changes by Jim Butcher. Dresden files #12. That was a bit of a shock (narrativewise).
21. (5.4.2012) Ghost Story by Jim Butcher. Dresden files #13. Ditto.
(Started Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. Gave birth 2 days later. Bit quiet on the reading front due to sleep having priority for a while)
22. (~21.4.2012) Pawn of Prophesy by David Eddings. Belgariad #1. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
23. (~21.4.2012) Queen of Sorcery by David Eddings. Belgariad #2. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
24. (~22.4.2012) Magician's Gambit by David Eddings. Belgariad #3. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
25. (late April) Castle of Wizardry by David Eddings. Belgariad #4. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
26. (late April) Enchanters end game by David Eddings. Belgariad #5. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
27. (early May) Succubus nights by Richelle Mead. #2. Entertaining series - need to chase down rest.
28. (10.5.2012) Rule 34 by Charles Stross. Good/heavy though gets confusing in last 3rd. Still digesting and need a unicorn/fluffy kitten chaser.
29. (early May) Guardian of the West by David Eddings. Mallorean #1. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
30. (early May) King of the Murgos by David Eddings. Mallorean #2. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
31. (18.5.2012) Demon Lord of Karanda by David Eddings. Mallorean #3. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
32. (18.5.2012) Sorceress of Darshiva by David Eddings. Mallorean #4. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
33. (19?.5.2012) Seeress of Kell by David Eddings. Mallorean #5. Been about a decade since rereading these. (r)
34. (late May) Storm Winds by Iris Johansen. (r)
35. (29.5.2012) Wet Grave by Barbara Hambly. Ben January novel - a good series.
36. (early June) Blood Maidens by Barbara Hambly. #3 of her vampire novels. Good, no sparkles.
37. (6.6.2012) Succubus dreams by Richelle Mead. #3. Entertaining popcorn paranormal read.
38. (early June) Succubus Heat by Richelle Mead. #4. Entertaining popcorn paranormal read cont.
39. (8.6.2012) Succubus shadows by Richelle Mead. #5. Cont entertaining popcorn paranormal read.
40. (11.6.2012) Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong. Entertaining popcorn paranormal read. Bit of a cliffhanger ending - want the next one.
41. (11.6.2012) No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong. Entertaining popcorn paranormal read. Want more by the author.
42. (12.6.2012) The Shirt on His Back by Barbara Hambly. Ben January novel - a good series.
43. (14.6.2012) Ran Away by Barbara Hambly. Ben January novel - a good series.
44. (17.6.2012) The Wind Dancer by Iris Johansen. (r)
45. (19.6.2012) The Magistrates of Hell by Barbara Hambly. #4 of her vampire novels. Good, no sparkles.
46. (20.6.2012) Foundation by Mercedes Lackey. #1 Collegium Chronicles. Not nearly so good as her earlier stuff, but ok fluff.
47. (21.6.2012) Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong. Entertaining popcorn paranormal read.
48. (23.6.2012) Frostbitten by Kelley Armstrong. Entertaining popcorn paranormal read. Have run out again and want more by the author.
49. (27.6.2012) Moon Sworn by Keri Arthur. Riley Jenson #9. Novelty of Australian paranormal still there, but a certain degree of superpower escalation going on. Need to read some of the earlier ones.
50. (4.7.2012) The Bards of Bone Plain by Patricia McKillip. Gorgeous language as always. Still digesting.
51. (5.7.2012) Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg. Not bad but much of the stuff covered in Oh Baby. Apparently A is between Angel and Textbook.
52. (6.7.2012) Brain Child by Tony Buzan. Quick skim through. Some good ideas but an irritating writing style (can we say "synergistic" 3 times in two paragraphs) with too heavy a reliance on argument from anecdote rather than data.
53. (7.7.2012) Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey. #2 Collegium Chronicles. Not nearly so good as her earlier stuff, but ok fluff.
54. (8.7.2012) Changes by Mercedes Lackey. #3 Collegium Chronicles. Not nearly so good as her earlier stuff, but ok fluff.
55. (10.7.2012) First Lord's Fury by Jim Butcher. Book 6 of Codex Alera. Not a bad end to series.
56. (13.7.2012) Storm Born by Richelle Mead. #1 of series. Not bad urban fantasy.
57. (17.7.2012) Embraced by Darkness by Keri Arthur. Riley Jenson #5. Was worth going earlier in the series.
58. (18.7.2012) The Darkest Kiss by Keri Arthur. Riley Jenson #6. Was worth going earlier in the series.
59. (late July 2012) The Dragon Keepers by Robin Hobb. #1. Okish.
60. (late July 2012) Valor's Choice by Tanya Huff. Valor #1. Space marines vs dinosaurs always good. (r)
61. (late July 2012) The Better Part of Valor by Tanya Huff. Valor #2. Good reread. (r)
62. (30 July 2012) The Heart of Valor by Tanya Huff. Valor #3. Good reread. (r)
63. (~4 Aug 2012) Valor's Trial by Tanya Huff. Valor #4. Good reread. (r)
64. (~6 aug 2012) The Truth of Valor by Tanya Huff. Valor #5. Good series continued.
65. (8.8.2012) Dangerous Games by Keri Arthur. Riley Jenson #4. Ok AU paranormal cont.
66. (early Aug 2012) Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead. #6 and final of series. A fun read.
67. (11.8.2012) Beauty and the Werewolf by Mercedes Lackey. Ok ish.
68. (Mid Aug 2012) Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay. Good, but not as good as his earlier stuff.
69. (late aug 2012) First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh. Ok popcorn.
70. (3.9.2012) Welcome to your Child's Brain by Sandra Aamodt and Sam Wang. Very good book on baby and child brain developement. Worth reading.
71. (11.9.2012) My Lady Notorious by Jo Beverley. Historical bodice ripper popcorn. Not as good as some of her other stuff - too large an ensemble cast lining up for future romances. (e)
72. (16.9.2012) Unnatural Issue by Mercedes Lackey. Elemental Masters #7. Ok popcorn.
73. (17.9.2012) Phoenix and Ashes by Mercedes Lackey. Elemental Masters #4. Ok popcorn.
74. (midish Sept) Then Comes Seduction by Mary Balogh. Ok popcorn.
75. (27.9.2012) Sunshine by Robin McKinley. Favourite reread. Vampires dealt with well. (r)
76. (30.9.2012) Spellbound by Kelley Armstrong. Good series continued, though not as complete a novel as others of the series. Want to read the next one though.
77. (5.10.2012) At Last Comes Love by Mary Balogh. Ok popcorn.
78. (6.10.2012) An Offer from a Gentleman by Julia Quinn. Ok popcorn.
79. (8.10.2012) The Ideal Wife by Mary Balogh. Okish popcorn.
80. (11.10.2012) The Gates of Sleep by Mercedes Lackey. Elemental Masters #3. Ok popcorn.
81. (17.10.2012) Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop. Not bad but not as good as the original series.
82. (30.10.2012) The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop. Not bad but not as good as the original series.
83. (1.11.2012) Shalador's Lady by Anne Bishop. Not bad but not as good as the original series.
(Mercedes Lackey short story collection I didn't finish)
84. (12.11.2012) The Sleeping Beauty by Mercedes Lackey. Ok ish.
85. (16.11.2012) One Good Knight by Mercedes Lackey. Ok ish.
86. (23.11.2012) Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey. #4 Collegium Chronicles. Not nearly so good as her earlier stuff, but ok fluff.
87. (29.11.2012) Fortunes Fool by Mercedes Lackey. Ok ish.
88. (late Dec 2012) Shards of Honour by Lois McMasters Bujold. Good reread. (e,r)

Been a while. Have some cool links while I sit guard over the baby sleeping on the sofa.

replica 14th hair pin based on ones in "Dress Accessories"

Some very cool ruffs

Pumpkin ice cream recipe (more complicated)
Pumpkin ice cream recipe (simpler, but watch over churning cream?)

So, a while with no posting. What have I been up to? (given last post was over a month ago)
Mainly baby related stuff. Surprise surprise.
AJBM is now nearly 6 months old!
Big heavy baby with a wide array of noises and moods. Much paying attention to her surroundings. Much staring at things and then shoving them in her mouth to investigate. For some odd reason, squeaky toys almost always produce a smile with the squeak. Not certain she associates the squeak with the toy though. I spend much time singing silly songs at her - either normal songs or fitting silly lyrics to various pieces of music that happen to grab my brain. She seems to like them :)
Still primarily breast-feeding (the minimum effort option) though have just started introducing solids today. She really likes the sitting up in the high chair associated. Didn't object to the kumara, but not exactly glomming it down. Will take things slowly in any case.
She has now managed a 6 day trip down south. Ferry was fine - we were curious as to whether she has gotten Z's inner ear (ferry saillings are fine as long as he is out on deck, not happy otherwise) or mine (fine). Sleep at night was generally good (she will sleep through the night at home) but affected by lighting levels in the room. 1st night in motel was nice and dark and she slept like a log, however subsequent nights in a white eastern facing room with ineffective white curtains had her up at first light... Driving was generally fine with enough sleeping, but not too much and generally happy playing in between.
While trip trip was for work for Z, we did manage to catch up with various of Zs family (and various friends). Much photos. Was good to get out of Wellington and the house for a while for variety for me. Next big expedition will be the Folk Festival at Labour weekend. Will test the tent (as prep for CF), but will have the advantage of being able to head home and sleep if it turns to custard.

Project wise, there has been a rain cape for AJBM and various sundry repairs of clothing. There may be some embroidery being poked at. Patterns of Fashion 4 is a dangerous book for blackwork fans... Canterbury Fair has been booked, so there will be some sewing associated with that. Dunno what size she will be by then though. I will probably need more garb I can breastfeed out of too.

Think that about covers things. Don't think I have gone crazy yet. Was close when we lost Internet for 4 days (luckily half of that was the weekend), but that was fixed this morning, so all good there :) Life trundles on.

An interesting discussion of the Lengberg underwear finds along with manuscript and carved images.

Nalbinding link which includes videos and much diagrams of how various stitches look etc here.